11th century artefacts found in Hanoi (November 07, 2003)

Artefacts dating back to the 11th century have been unearthed in an archaeological excavation site in downtown Hanoi, the largest such site in Vietnam so far.

The site is where a new National Assembly building and national conference hall were about to be built. The construction has been put on hold.

Artefacts found at a two meter-deep site are believed to belong to "four architectural layers." According to Dr Tong Trung Tin, deputy director of the Archaeology Institute, the royal court of Ly, Tran and Le dynasties could be here as many lotus-shaped stone pillars were unearthed in the site.

Tiles.

In the 11th century, the Ly dynasty established Thang Long (Ascending Dragon) imperial city on the site of the present-day Hanoi.

Almost entirely intact relics found include basements of royal palaces, ponds and wells. Other architectural pieces made of marble shaping dragon and unicorn heads. Coins, cosmetics and utensils made ceramics, bronze and bronze weapons and funeral jars have been found.

The finds have been well-preserved. Archaeologists will continue their excavation on an extended area and will co-operate with experts of the old Thang Long citadel. (VNA)